Unpacking the Needham Question

This chapter explores the Needham Question, questioning why modern China, rich in innovations like gunpowder and the compass, lagged behind the West. It highlights Joseph Needham's scholarly journey, his interactions with Chinese scholars, and a data-centric analysis of over 10,000 Chinese inventions, revealing that China's technological decline began much earlier than presumed. Ultimately, the discussion redefines historical narratives, advocating for a nuanced understanding of China's technological disparity through a comprehensive and context-driven approach.

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